How to Store Flaxseed

How to Store Flaxseed

If you recently started adding flaxseeds to your weekly meals and are wondering how to store them properly, you've landed on the right article. While flaxseeds have an impressive shelf-life, they do eventually go bad. That said, the way you store them can ensure they remain fresh long past their best-by date. So, before you purchase a new bag of flaxseeds, use these tips and tricks to ensure that you have everything needed to store them properly. After we cover the basics of flaxseed storage, we'll go over how to tell if your current bag of flax has gone bad.

What Is Flaxseed?

The flax plant blooms as a blue-flowered perennial plant and produces highly nutritious flax seeds. Historically, the flax plant was mainly grown for its fibrous stalks, which were turned into material. More recently, we've discovered the many benefits of consuming flax seeds, and this plant is now primarily grown for its seeds. Overflowing with nutritional value, flaxseed is rich in fiber and a good source of iron. The nutty flavor of this seed works excellent in all recipes, and it can be consumed whole or ground. Grinding flaxseed results in more bioavailable nutrients, which means the body can digest and use them more easily. To learn more about the benefits of flaxseed, check out the article: 4 Health Benefits of Golden Flaxseed.

Does Flaxseed Go Bad?

All of the flaxseed on grocery store shelves will have a "best -by" date. This date indicates the freshness of the seed. However, it doesn't always mean you should discard the bag as soon as that date arrives. We do not recommend consuming products past their best by dates. Whole flaxseed will typically last longer than flaxseed meal, especially if stored in the freezer or refrigerator. Are you wondering what causes flaxseeds to go bad? A few factors play a vital role in flaxseed's freshness. First, flaxseeds contain a large number of healthy fats known as omega-3 fatty acids. These fats are fantastic for you, but they put flaxseed at an increased risk for spoilage compared to dry seeds and grains. This is mainly due to the structure of the omega-3s. The way omega-3 fatty acids are formed makes them more beneficial to the cells. However, it also causes them to spoil quicker. Light and oxygen also play a role in the spoilage of flaxseeds. If the seeds are not stored properly, they begin to oxidize, leading to signs of spoilage like an unpleasant smell or unappetizing flavor. storing flaxeed

How to Tell If Flaxseed Has Spoiled

So, how can you tell if the bag at the back of your pantry has gone bad? We suggest tasting it. Fresh flaxseed has a mild, sweet and nutty flavor that tastes great. In comparison, spoiled flaxseed has a bitter and unpleasant flavor. Smelling your bag of flaxseeds may also provide signs of spoilage. Flaxseeds will have a fishy, unpleasant smell and a lackluster nutrient profile when spoiled.

How Long Do Flaxseeds Last?

The shelf-life of flaxseed is dependent on the type purchased. Whole flax seeds typically last one to two years from the packaging date. Flaxseed meal will usually last up to a year from the date of packaging. Storing your flaxseeds correctly will ensure that they remain fresh for these periods and even longer. Proper storage can help extend flaxseed's shelf-life far past the best-by date. That said, how flaxseeds were stored before purchase will also determine how long it remains fresh. This is why, when purchasing flaxseed, you want to buy high-quality seeds whose packaging is airtight.

How to Store Flaxseed

We've mentioned that proper storage is essential to keeping flaxseeds fresh, but what does proper flaxseed storage entail? Adequate storage begins from the time of purchasing. Flaxseed should always be stored in an airtight container. Doing so ensures that your flaxseed is protected from air, pollutants, bugs and anything else that could cause spoilage. When buying flaxseeds, choose those stored in a sealed, airtight bag. Additionally, you'll want to ensure that the bag is opaque rather than translucent. Store unopened flaxseeds in a cool, dry and dark place until you're ready to use them. Open flaxseed should be transferred to an airtight container for the best results. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Balls

Where to Store Flaxseed

Now that you know the importance of storing flaxseed in an airtight container, it's time you learn where to keep it. Read on to learn how the location of your flaxseed helps determine its freshness.

Pantry

As we mentioned previously, if your bag of flaxseed has not been opened, then storing it in the pantry is an excellent option. Even more so if you purchased flaxseed that was stored on a shelf. While some foods may spoil sitting at room temperature, most store-bought flaxseed is kept in packaging that protects it from light and oxygen and will keep it fresh long after the expiration date. Additionally, though omega-3 fatty acids are more stable at lower temperatures, temperature changes can speed up spoiling. Changing how flaxseeds are stored could cause your seeds to go bad before the best-by date. To keep your flaxseeds fresh and flavorful, store the seeds as you bought them.

In the Fridge

The refrigerator is an excellent place to store your flaxseeds. If you purchased your bag of flaxseeds in the refrigerated section, you'll want to make sure you continue to keep them there when you get home. Conversely, if your bag of flaxseed was stored on a shelf, it can remain in the pantry until opened. Once a bag of flaxseed is opened, you'll want to transfer it to an airtight container if the bag does not reseal. Then, begin storing it in the fridge. The cooler temperature and protection from the light will help keep your seeds fresh up to a year past the best-by date. You can also store flaxseed meal in the refrigerator. However, you will need to use it within a week.

Freezer

Flaxseeds stored in the freezer will last longer than those kept in the pantry or the fridge. That said, you don't want to store the entire bag there. Instead, transfer the amount of flaxseed you think you'll use in three months and place it in an airtight container to keep in the pantry. Then, place the rest in the freezer. While the freezer is a great place to store flaxseed, it's not ideal if you're using it often. Opening the frozen flaxseeds regularly will cause them to thaw and refreeze multiple times. These drastic temperature changes will cause the omegas to break down rapidly, and your flaxseeds will spoil. When choosing a method to store flaxseed meal, the freezer is the best option. Because the flaxseed meal has been processed, it spoils quicker than whole seeds. This is because the pieces of flax are now exposed to more oxygen and light than they would be if they were whole. Freezing flaxseed can help protect it from these elements and keep it fresh until you're ready to use it. That said, if you plan on using your flaxseed meal quickly, it can be stored in the pantry or refrigerator. Just make sure you keep the temperature consistent.

Using Flaxseed

Spinach Quinoa Bites Ready to start using flaxseed in your weekly meals? Start with these delicious Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Balls. Made with a mix of our Almond Protein Powder and Flaxseed Meal, it's easy to make and loaded with fiber and protein. Ideal for eaters of all ages, these protein balls are entirely kid-friendly. Or, if you're craving something more savory, make these Spinach Quinoa Bites. They're made with Golden Flaxseed Meal instead of flour and feature whole food ingredients like quinoa and raw spinach. Loaded with nutrients, these bites will keep you feeling your best all day long. Pair them with marina and enjoy them as a topping on your favorite pasta dish. The possibilities are endless! Eating flaxseed regularly offers many benefits, and knowing how to store flaxseed correctly can help keep the flax in your kitchen fresh. Follow the pointers to ensure that your next bag of flaxseed remains great-tasting until you're ready to eat it. From everyone at Bob's Red Mill, have a healthy and happy day! Do you cook with flaxseed often? We'd love to hear about the recipes you create with this superfood ingredient. Share your favorites with us in the comments below.
Bob's Red Mill
July 20 2022

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